Sep 28, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Bjorn Utvik (15) reacts in the second half against the Portland Timbers at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images The Vancouver Whitecaps acquired Joedrick Pupe from Belgium’s F.C.V. Dender and fellow defender Sebastian Schonlau from Germany’s Hamburger SV on Thursday.
The Whitecaps also transferred defender Bjorn Inge Utvik to Norway’s Sarpsborg 08 FF.
Utvik, 29, returns to his home country after contributing one goal and two assists in 55 appearances across all competitions since joining Vancouver from Sarpsborg ahead of the 2024 season.
“Bjorn has been an outstanding professional since arriving in Vancouver,” sporting director Axel Schuster said. “We respect his desire to return home with a young family, and this agreement was made mutually with that in mind. We thank Bjorn for his contributions to the club and wish him all the best for the future.”
Pupe, 28, is under contract with the Whitecaps through 2027 with an option for 2028. He has recorded two goals and eight assists in 121 appearances with clubs across his native Belgium.
Pupe served as captain last year as Dender gained promotion to the Belgian top flight.
“Joedrick is an athletic, technical, left-footed defender who fits our aggressive style of play,” Schuster said. “He has shown resilience throughout his career, and he brought great character and leadership as captain at Dender. We are looking forward to integrating him into the team.”
Schonlau, 31, is signed through 2026 with a 2027 club option. He captained Hamburger as the club earned promotion to the Bundesliga last season, ending a four-year run there with six goals and four assists in 115 matches.
“He brings tremendous leadership and experience to our club with more than 300 professional appearances, and he has dealt with pressure situations as long-time captain of Hamburger SV,” Schuster said. “We believe that he will have a positive impact on our team as we head into the final stretch of the season.”
Pupe and Schonlau provide critical depth to the Vancouver defense. In addition to Utvik’s departure, the club has sustained season-ending injuries to Sam Adekugbe and Ranko Veselinovic.
–Field Level Media
